Recurring ear, nose and throat problems in young children could be sign of autism, study says

BOSTON - Recurrent ear, nose, and throat conditions in some young children could be an early sign of autism.

Researchers in the United Kingdom tracked more than 10,000 children through the first four years of life. They found that those with recurrent common ear and upper respiratory problems were more likely to eventually be diagnosed with autism or demonstrate high levels of autism traits.

Signs included mouth breathing, snoring, pulling on ears, decreased hearing during colds, and rarely listening. The scientists said the study suggests that ear and respiratory signs may be an early marker for an increased risk of autism and that early treatment of these conditions may improve the quality of life for kids with autism.   

In:
• Health
• Autism

Mallika Marshall, MD

Mallika Marshall, MD is an Emmy-award-winning journalist and physician who has served as the HealthWatch Reporter for CBS Boston/WBZ-TV for over 20 years. A practicing physician Board Certified in both Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Dr. Marshall serves on staff at Harvard Medical School and practices at Massachusetts General Hospital at the MGH Chelsea Urgent Care and the MGH Revere Health Center, where she is currently working on the frontlines caring for patients with COVID-19. She is also a host and contributing editor for Harvard Health Publications (HHP), the publishing division of Harvard Medical School.

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